The summer of sport may be over, but that doesn’t mean physical exercise needs to stop altogether and, in fact, it’s arguably even more important to stay active during autumn and winter, as it can help you stay in good physical, mental and emotional health as the nights start to draw in.
However, it’s essential that you put measures in place to ensure that you can exercise safely at this time of year, particularly if you plan to train outside.
Firstly, don’t neglect your warmup so that your body is properly prepared for the stress and strain you’re about to put it under. A good warmup will include everything from brisk walking and jogging on the spot to some light stretching, moving you from a state of rest to a state of activity, helping you to keep injuries at bay.
Also take the time to think about what you’re wearing. Layers are important if you want to exercise outside so that you can stay warm as you work. If you get too hot, simply shed a layer, or put it back on when you’re feeling the cold.
And, of course, make sure you check the weather before you head out and about. Surfaces are sure to be more slippery now than during the summer, so always wear appropriate footwear that has enough grip to stop you from slipping.
Equally, consider the time of day you’re heading outside for physical activity. The days are getting shorter, so you have fewer daylight hours to play around with. If you’re out early in the morning or in the evenings, make sure you wear light-reflective clothing to stay visible if you’re road running or on your bike.
Of course, these are just a couple of tips from the Clear Physio team. If you’d like to find out more or if you’ve got a sports injury of some kind, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.